Noninvasive Measurement of Peripheral Pressure Pulse Compliance and Systolic Time Intervals

Abstract

Systolic time intervals provide a basis for the indirect determination of total electromechanical systole and offer a physiologic approach to cardiovascular assessment. In addition, examination of the pulse wave contour changes with advancing age and hypertension suggests that these data may be useful in assessing the vascular compliance and peripheral resistance of a subject. In this report, we explore the use of noninvasively obtained peripheral systolic time intervals in normal and pathologic conditions and the automated measurement and continuous plotting of several parameters, including heart rate, pulse wave arrival time, rapid ejection time, peripheral pulse wave contour, and cutaneous pressure pulse. Although this is an empirical system whose clinical usefulness has yet to be determined, the development of peripheral systolic time intervals seems promising.